How to Select an Air Conditioner for Home – Tips to Know (2024)

Buying a good air conditioner for your home not only offers respite from the summer heat, but also gives you the benefit of air purification all year round. Along with that, it provides humidity control in the monsoon, and heating in winter. With numerous options flooding the market, knowing how to select AC for your home will help you make an informed decision.

Rather than letting your budget dictate the features,buy an air conditioner on No Cost EMIsstarting at Rs. 1,999 from theBajaj Finserv EMI Network. Here, you can pay by using theBajaj Finserv Insta EMI Cardand shop from more than1.5 lakh+ partners online and offline in over4,000+ cities. You can also choose a repayment tenure ranging from 1 to 60 months. You also benefit from features like minimal processing charges and a down payment. If you do not have the Bajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card, you can apply for in-store financing and get instant approval.

To enhance the benefits you can enjoy, make it a point to shop for asplit air conditioneror awindow AC this summer. This is the best time to invest in an AC. You can get instant credit of up to Rs. 5,000 in your Bajaj Pay Wallet, after shopping for an AC worth Rs. 20,000 or more.

Before you start shopping, take a quick look at the tips you should keep in mind to select the best AC for your home.

Factors to consider when choosing an AC for your home

When purchasing an air conditioner (AC),consider the following factorsto make an informed decision:

  1. Room size: Choose an AC with the appropriate cooling capacity (measured in BTUs or tons) based on your room size. A small room requires less cooling power than a large living area.
  2. Energy efficiency: Look for ACs with high energy efficiency ratings (like the EER or ISEER). Energy-efficient models save electricity and reduce your utility bills.
  3. Type of AC: Decide between split ACs (with indoor and outdoor units) or window ACs (installed in a window frame). Split ACs are quieter and offer better aesthetics, while window ACs are more straightforward to install.
  4. Cooling speeds and modes: Check if the AC offers multiple cooling speeds, fan modes, and sleep functions. Some models also have features like turbo mode and dehumidification.
  5. Noise level: Consider the noise level (measured in decibels) of the AC. Quieter units are more comfortable, especially for bedrooms.
  6. Air quality features: Look for filters that improve indoor air quality. Features like HEPA filters, anti-bacterial coatings, and dust filters can enhance your overall comfort.
  7. Installation and maintenance: Factor in installation costs and ongoing maintenance. Regular cleaning and servicing are essential for optimal performance.

Choose the right type of AC for your needs

Depending on your requirements, your home’s layout, and your budget, you can arrive at an answer to how to choose an air conditioner for your home. Typically, you can pick from 3 types:Window AC, split AC, and portable AC. A window AC, as the name suggests, is mounted onto a window as a single unit. A split AC has two units – the one mounted outside your home comprises the compressor and condenser units, while the one mounted inside, on a wall, is the blower. A portable AC is not mounted in a specific location, and you can move it from one room to another. This one is beneficial for you if you live in rented apartments. You must also check out the price list of ACs before making your choice

Check the cooling capacity

The cooling capacity ofany air conditioner is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). It simply means how much heat the AC can eliminate from the air in a set time. The cooling capacity of any AC is directly proportional to this number. Getting the right fit for your room is highly important. If the BTU capacity is too less for your room, the AC would not be able to cool it properly. If the capacity is too high, it may cool the room too quickly without any dehumidification. To determine the right fit for your room, see the chart below:

AC cooling capacity chart

Area

Capacity in BTUs per hour

Tonnage of the AC

0 to 90 sq. ft.

~5,000

1

90 to 110 sq. ft.

~12,000

1.2

120 to 150 sq. ft.

~18,000

1.5

150 to 200 sq. ft.

~24,000

2


Note that several more factors, like the height of the room, average room temperature, floor number, and window size affect how quickly your AC will cool your room.

Know the benefits of an inverter AC

As compared to a normal air conditioner, aninverter ACoffers better, more consistent cooling.Inverter ACs are also more energy-efficient and quieter too.This is because in a non-inverter AC, the compressor switches on and off several times to regulate the temperature. Whenever the compressor motor starts, the AC experiences a power spike. This causes it to consume more power in the long run. On the other hand, an inverter AC’s compressor always remains on. After the desired temperature is reached, the compressor keeps running at a lower speed to maintain cooling. Therefore, it is not only more durable but also energy-efficient.

Also read: Difference between 5 Star and 3 Star Air Conditioners

Look for energy efficiency

Buying an energy-efficient AC has become all the more important in today’s world, where power tariffs are rising as quickly as mercury levels. To help you identify how good an appliance is when it comes to power efficiency, the BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) gives standardised energy-efficiency ratings as stars. A5 Star rating is the best and means that the AC will offer you tremendous savings on your electricity bill. So, always choose an AC with a higher energy-efficiency rating.

Other important features of air conditioners to consider:

Anti-bacteria filter

Removes bacteria, pollen, dust mites, and allergens from the air to create a healthy environment.

Dust filter

Catches minute dust particles and dust mites.

Dehumidifier

Remove excess moisture from the air during the rains, prevents the room from becoming damp, and inhibits the growth of fungus and bacteria.

Heater

Raises the temperature to comfortable levels during winter and eliminates the need to purchase a separate heater unit.

Auto cleaning

Automatically removes the mould and bacteria deposits inside the blower.

Now that you know how to select the right air conditioner, shop for the best home air conditioner on EMI using theBajaj Finserv Insta EMI Card. To get started,check your pre-approved offerand avail of upto Rs. 3 lakh toshop from the Bajaj Finserv EMI Network.

Top selling home air conditioners in India

Model

Price

Blue Star 1.5 Ton 3 Star Convertible 4 in 1 Cooling Inverter Split AC

Rs. 37,990

Haier 1.5 Ton 3 Star Triple Inverter Intelli Smart Split AC

Rs. 35,990

Voltas 1 Ton 3 Star, Fixed Speed Window AC

Rs. 25,499

Cruise 1.5 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Rs. 32,990

Lloyd 1.2 Ton 5 Star Inverter Split AC

Rs. 34,990

How to Select an Air Conditioner for Home – Tips to Know (2024)

FAQs

How to Select an Air Conditioner for Home – Tips to Know? ›

Proper air conditioner sizing starts with determining the square footage of your room by multiplying your floor's length by its width. Next, compare your room size to the window air conditioner's British thermal unit (BTU) rating. A BTU rating indicates the amount of heat an A/C can remove from a room.

How do I know what air conditioner to buy? ›

Proper air conditioner sizing starts with determining the square footage of your room by multiplying your floor's length by its width. Next, compare your room size to the window air conditioner's British thermal unit (BTU) rating. A BTU rating indicates the amount of heat an A/C can remove from a room.

How do I know what size AC unit I need for my house? ›

To find the square footage, multiply the length times the width of the rooms in your home, then add them together. Once you have the square footage, multiply it by 25 to get the BTUhs needed to cool your space. There are 12,000 BTUhs in one ton.

How to pick out an AC unit? ›

When it's time for a new air conditioning unit, remember these things:
  1. Find the right fit. Decide on the type of HVAC system that is right for your home and get the correct size. ...
  2. Consider the SEER rating. ...
  3. Check on the warranty. ...
  4. Know your installer.
Mar 18, 2019

What to ask when buying an AC? ›

When buying an AC, you should consider the room size, energy efficiency (SEER rating), cooling capacity, type (split or window), noise level, brand reputation, and additional features like programmable thermostats or air purifiers when buying an AC.

How many BTU do I need for a 20x20 room? ›

To determine how many BTU you need to cool a 20 x 20 room, multiply the room's length by the width, then calculate 20 BTU for every square foot. Four hundred square feet x 20 = 8,000 BTU.

What SEER rating do I need? ›

The definition of a good SEER rating varies depending on the homeowner's individual preferences. Some homeowners prioritize air conditioner efficiency, in which case a SEER rating of 17 or higher would be ideal. Others may prioritize unit affordability, which would make a SEER rating of 14 or 15 more ideal.

What size house will a 3 ton air conditioner cool? ›

A 3 Ton air conditioner is typically necessary for homes up to 1,500 to 2,500 square feet. Other factors such as climate, home insulation, and number of windows can also influence the right air conditioner size for your home, so be advised that this is just a general example.

What is the most reliable AC brand? ›

Top Air Conditioner Brands of 2024
  • York: Most Experience.
  • Trane: Most Protection.
  • American Standard: Best for Extreme Climates.
  • LG: Best Window AC Units.
  • Ruud: Best Basic Units.
  • Amana: Best Selection.
  • Goodman: Best for Maintenance.
  • Rheem: Best Smart Technology.
Apr 20, 2024

How to choose air conditioning? ›

When selecting the right-sized air conditioner for your space, consider the below:
  1. For a room 10m2 to 20m2, a 2.6kW unit should cool the room;
  2. For a room 20m2 to 30m2, a 3.5kW unit should cool the room;
  3. For a room 30m2 to 45m2, a 5-6kW unit should cool the room; and.

How much will $15,000 BTU cool? ›

Air conditioners rated at 15,000 Btu should be enough to cool most rooms up to about 875 sq. ft. How do you get more precise than that?

What kind of AC unit do I need for my house? ›

Central Air Conditioner Sizing by Home Size
Home SizeAC Size (BTUs)AC Size (Tons)
1,400–1,600 square feet24,0002
1,600–1,800 square feet27,0002.25
1,800–2,000 square feet30,0002.5
2,000–2,200 square feet33,0002.75
3 more rows
Apr 19, 2024

What is the most efficient AC unit for a home? ›

Ductless/Mini-Split systems.

NOTE: A conduit hose connects the outdoor compressor to the indoor evaporator and air handling unit. Ductless units are considered the most energy-efficient air conditioning systems on the market.

How much area do 2 ton AC cover? ›

A 1 ton air conditioner is suitable for a room or space of up to 120-140 square feet, while a 2 ton air conditioner is suitable for a room or space of up to 300-350 square feet. It is important to select the correct size of air conditioner for your space to ensure efficient cooling and energy savings.

How do I determine what ton AC I need? ›

To estimate your AC tonnage needs, multiply the number of square feet you're cooling times 25. This equals the total number of BTUs you need to adequately cool your space. Next, divide that number by 12,000 to determine the tonnage capability you need in your new air conditioning unit.

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